Pleasant “Ples” Dwight Smith of Paris, dies

Obituary published Feb. 3, 2014 in The Mexico Ledger

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Posted Feb. 3, 2014 at 11:46 AM

Posted Feb. 3, 2014 at 11:46 AM

Pleasant "Ples" Dwight Smith of Paris, Missouri passed away on January 25th. Ples was born to Pleasant and Donna Smith on January 18, 1950. He was raised in Mexico, Missouri and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Ples graduated from the University of Missouri, where he was a left end for the Mizzou football team and played in the Gator and Orange Bowls. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1971 and served with the U.S. Pacific Fleet in Makalapa, Hawaii. He received an honorable discharge in 1975, having attained the rank of Yeoman Third Class and earning the National Defense Service Medal. Professionally, Ples spent his career as a dedicated farmer. He operated and was part-owner of A.C. Farms, one of the largest soybean farms in Audrain County, until his retirement in 1993. Though reserved by nature, Ples thought well of others and had a heart that filled every inch of his 6'4" frame; his name truly defined his nature. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Barbara Rippel. He is survived by his niece, Molly Rippel, and his nephew, Ryan Rippel, as well as his brothers Randy Smith and Scott Smith. A private service of remembrance will be held later this spring. The family kindly requests that memorials be directed to the General Scholarship Fund of the University of Missouri College of Agriculture 2-4 Agriculture Building Columbia, Missouri 65211.